CHAPTER 295
Dr. Levine got up from her seat and moved toward the rear of the Chinook. Thorne was in her path, and he made a halting gesture.
"Dodgson wants everyone to stay with the choppers until they're set up."
"I'll do as I like, Mr. Thorne." She breezed past him.
"Suit yourself, Doc. You're not my baggage."
Arby exchanged glances with Kelly, and then they stood. Diego got up with them. Kelly was turning to follow Dr. Levine, but Arby was hesitant.
"Are you coming, Arb?"
"Maybe we should stay here, like Thorne said."
Marty appeared next to them. He was stooped and nervous. "I'm with Arby on this one."
"Oh come on guys." Kelly dropped her shoulders.
Arby and Marty were looking at each other for some kind of reinforcing statements to keep them where they were, but they could not conjure any. Diego was watching the interaction with mild amusement.
"Give me a break." Kelly went after Dr. Levine.
"Hey guys!" It was George Baselton. He had his fist full of Slim Jims held like a bouquet.
Arby and Marty shifted and looked after Kelly.
Arby pointed and said, "we were going that way."
He and Marty hurried along.
Diego gave George a friendly yet sly sort of grin. He reached out and snatched several of the Slim Jims from his hand and gave him a light slap on the back.
"Thanks, Calabaza!"
George smiled and rushed to fall into step with Diego as he followed the others. "Don't mention it, Diego. It's Diego, right?"
"Si." Diego tore open a Slim Jim and chewed into it.
Both he and George traversed the fuselage and were soon bathed in warm natural light that was diffused by lingering fog. They stopped at the end of the ramp and took in their first impressions of Site-B.